From the Big Day Until Today

So, Lethbridge Huh?

Pookie and I have been talking, and thought that we kind of glossed over what exactly has been happening with the babies since the delivery.  Everyone was focused on their health and Pookie's health, so I really just put up a few quick updates to let everyone know that the family is ok.  I thought I would rewind things a bit and write down how things went before the details get fuzzy.

Pookie was originally scheduled to go in for her C-Section on January 18th, but our doctor got a little leery about the bed availability in the NICU at Foothills in Calgary, and decided to push up the date to the 14th instead.  Pookie was past the uncomfortable stage, so in we went.

After a leisurely morning of guzzling coffee and trying not to shit my pants with fear, we toodled on up to the 5th floor at Foothills.  For some reason we both became a little calmer once we got there, and just kind of chilled in a prep room for half an hour or so.  When it came time to give Pookie her epidural, they shuffled me off to a little cubicle right beside the O.R.  When the anesthesiologist is doing his thing, apparently they would rather you were already out of the room, that way you don't pass out from seeing the brontosaurus needle and make them have to step over you for the rest of the procedure.

Once Pookie got all numbed up the procedure really started to pick up speed, and a sense of urgency became clear.  A nurse came and got me to lead me into the O.R, goofy mask on my face and video camera in hand.  Pookie was sprawled out on a 'T' table like J.C, and had that gross iodine stuff all over her belly.  Covering that belly with iodine required a fair bit of the stuff, and it looked like I had missed the surgery and they just forgot to clean her off.

Some guys might get excited about filming surgeries, but I am not one of those guys.  There is blood, goo and all sorts of stuff that does not need to be frozen in time to remember fondly later.  Plus, there were about 20 people in the room either performing the surgery or awaiting the Pooklings, and there wasn't any room for some asshole that thinks he is the reincarnation of Steven Spielberg and Charles Manson (I know they are still alive, not the point) to be running around..

Pookie and I were behind the drape thingy, and didn't even know that our doctor had started the surgery until we were about 20 minutes into it.  She wasn't in any pain, and other than getting a sore ass from sitting on a tiny metal stool awash in my own fear, I thought I held up pretty well too.

30 minutes into the surgery, little Declan made his appearance with a good strong squeal, and was whisked to a station inside the O.R to receive attention from 3 or 4 people.  So far, so good.  One minute later, Stella appeared in quite the same way.  One more minute later, Reid appeared.  I got off my stool and checked all the kids, and the doctors started sewing up Pookie.

The babies then went through a door into the NICU, and Pookie was moved to a recovery room.  This was probably the most stressful part of the whole thing for me, because the NICU in Foothills is a large area, the babies were not together, and it was tough to find them.  The staff also neglected to tell me where Pookie was, so it took a little wandering around to find her.  I was pretty sure she was ok, but I was pretty jacked up on adrenaline and freaking me out wasn't too tough.

I kind of lurked around the NICU and watched while the staff inserted tubes and IVs and the like into the Pooklings, but they were great about telling me that the kids were doing great and there were no major problems.

Pookie was moved to her hospital room after an hour or so in the recovery room, and looked like she had been hit by a train.  She was as white as a Scrabble party, and started vomiting from the painkillers.  It took about two or three days before she really started to gain some strength and look better.  The babies were tucked in, Pookie was tucked in, and I was exhausted.  Around 11 pm, I went home to try to get some sleep, but Rocky wanted to hang out and I was due for a scotch, so we kind of had a little moment to calm down after the stress bomb.  Day One was officially in the books.

The kids arrived without any major issues, but when you weigh 4 pounds, there kind of aren't any minor issues.  Stella and Declan had a little fluid in their lungs, so they got CPAP things on their faces.  The contraption fits over their noses and keeps a forced supply of air moving.  They didn't need oxygen, they just needed to ensure their lungs didn't completely deflate.  These masks were on for a few days, and then little smaller tubes for a few more.

All of the babies had IVs until about 4 days ago.  I have never had one, but they look extremely uncomfortable on anyone.  When you see them on a baby it looks so sore you want to start negotiating with the nurses to take them out.  It is very tough to find their tiny veins, so the nurse has to poke them and poke them, and it is heartbreaking.  Once the IVs are in, the babies don't know not to thrash around, so it seems like the the IVs are ripped out as soon as quick as they are installed.  After this happens a few times, the IV gets put right in the Pookling's head.  They look miserable, but there are really no options left at this point.  A few of the pictures show the IVs, you can see how painful they look.  It was a big day when we got to the hospital and saw that all of the babies were IV - free.

The next big step was to start bottle feeding, and not have to use the little feeding tubes you can see in their noses.  The tubes aren't uncomfortable, but in order to come home the Pooklings need to be able to eat and grow (which I suppose makes sense).  Our little people are making little great strides in this area, and we think that they are close.  Our little girl in particular is an eating (and shitting) machine.  She powers back a bottle of milk like nobody's business.  In fact, my little sweetheart has already had her feeding tube removed, making her the first of the three.  Reid and Declan are doing their best, but occasionally fall asleep in the middle of a meal, like some sort of drunk passed out in a restaurant.  This is happening less and less (for the Pooklings, not the drunk), so hopefully their tubes are out soon too.

That really brings us up to date.  The kids are eating and sleeping and getting stronger, so hopefully we are back home within 10 days or do.  We go down to the hospital twice a day to feed, change, and have a cuddle with all of them.  We will see if the tidy routine can be maintained when we are one our own, but I have slight feeling the excrement will come in contact with the ventilation system.

I cannot express our gratitude for the doctors, nurses and other hospital staff that have been in our corner since we found out Pookie was pregnant with triplets.  Dr. Mahalingham and her staff in Calgary, the nurses in the Foothills NICU, Pookie's nurses and the support staff were beyond competent, beyond kind, and completely professional. 

The nurses here in Lethbridge had a lot to live up to, and they have done so admirably.  Our kids continue to receive fantastic care, and you can tell the people in that NICU actually love their work.  A big 'Thank You' to the staff there.

We just found out that the babies are now being transferred to Rockyview in Calgary.  We don't want to see them moved when they are doing so well, especially since it seemed to stress them out a bit to move them the first time.  If you happen to be the numbnuts Calgary Health Region bureaucrat that keeps moving them around, you are the incompentent turd that makes everyone's job harder, and I loathe you.

The babies are great and we are happy to be headed home, so let's focus on that!

I hope you appreciated the update and will be back with pictures soon.

New Pictures - Cuter By the Day

As some of you may know, the Pooklings have been transferred from Foothills Hospital in Calgary to the Lethbridge Regional Hospital.  Foothills NICU is a Level 3 facility that provides cutting edge care and support, and Lethbridge is a Level 2 facility.  Basically, our kids are doing great and just don't need to be in a Level 3 NICU, so it was time to move the Pooklings out to make room for incoming babies that are in tougher shape.

There is no way around the fact that moving out of our house in Calgary and moving into a Travelodge 100 miles away is a major pain in the ass, but when you consider the fact that we are only here because the kids are in such great shape, we feel far more grateful than we do inconvenienced.

On to the Pooklings!

We start with Daddy`s Little Girl.  As you can see, she`s got her eye on you.

Having a yawn.  We bore her.

Having a cuddle with Pookie.  Somebody better tuck that ear in before she loses her patience.  This picture was a few days ago in Calgary, and you can already see a lot of progress.

Stella and Dad.

Reid getting his turn to cuddle with mom.  He is a big fan of his binky.  And naps.  Yes, I refer to the soother as a `binky`.

This is another picture of Reid from a few days ago in Calgary.  Once again, the progress is amazing.

Declan having a cuddle with mom.

Declan and Uncle Ryan.  Ryan answers only to `The Godfather`.  Declan answers to no one.

Declan a couple days ago.  Good looking fella.

Mom and the boys.  Apparently Reid got first pick on the face locations.


That`s it for now, everyone is doing great and I will be sure to post again soon.

Pictures - Meet the Pooklings!

These are just a few of the best pictures so far, I hope everyone likes them.  Don't be concerned with the wires and tubes you see in a few of them, they are all doing great.

This good looking fella is Declan James McCrimmon.  He is getting that annoying air tube out right away, and is looking forward to a light meal this afternoon.  They all look better and better by the hour.

This handsome gent is Reid Carter McCrimmon.  Reid is having lunch via that tube in his nose, and is less than pleased about having an IV in his noggin.  He is as calm as a Hindu cow at all times, and is taking the world in without much fuss.

The boys look very much alike, their features are pretty much identical at this point.  It will be interesting to see them begin take on their own distinct features as they keep growing.

This lovely little lady is Stella Marie McCrimmon, getting her first snuggle with Dad.  She is flashing a little smile for the camera.  We are getting the feeling she is going to be in charge when these babies get organized.

We should be able to get pictures with all of them together in the next few days.  We are thinking they will be moved to a different nursery soon, they just don't need the level of care provided at Foothills Hospital, and it's time to give up the beds for other babies that do.  If things keep progressing like they have been, the family will be home very soon.  The world has become a little bit sweeter place thanks to these three.

Mom is doing fantastic, she will be home by tomorrow, or Tuesday at the latest. 

I will keep posting as much as I can, more pictures to follow.

Quick Update

Pookie and the babies have all shown great progress, Pookie just got her IV out and is taking a much anticipated shower as I write.

All of the babies are strong enough that they don't require Level 3 care, so we might actually transfer to another hospital, which is great news.

I keep forgetting either the camera or the cord I need to upload pictures, but will try to sort it out today.

Thanks again for all your calls and notes, y'all are some great people!

PJ and Pookie

The Pooklings Have Landed!

Reid, Declan and Stella are all doing great, and Pookie is recovering. Dad is still grinning from ear to ear.

Pictures soon!

Last Post Before B-Day

I tell Rocky it's all going all to be ok, but I don't think he believes me.

Thank you to everyone for your support and love, it has meant a lot to us and we truly feel like we are not doing this alone.  Rocky would thank you if he could read, but he insists he is severely dyslexic.  Why argue, as long as no one gets bitten?

Tomorrow is the big day, and I will be sure to post something right away.  Rocky might be less than optimistic, but Mom and  Dad are as happy as clams.  Dad might be as happy as a drunken clam.

Thanks again, here we go!





New Plan - B-Day Invasion Now Planned for Friday the 14th

Two Days Left, and Counting

We have had a slight change of plans, the big day has been moved up from the 18th to the 14th.  There are no issues with Pookie or the Pooklings to necessitate the change, our doctor just thinks the availability of beds for our little people will be better if we do things before the weekend.  Apparently beds in the nursery are kind of like campsites in Banff, the good ones are gone by Saturday.

I will be sure to run the video camera as much as possible, unless I pass out from looking at Pookie's guts when the doctor is handbombing infants to nurses.  There are going to be about 20 people in the room (then 23), so I expect things to be pretty crowded, but I'll do my best.

The question people keep asking me is whether Pookie is ready to get things moving, and shit yes she is.  She has been dealing with the discomforts and inconveniences of being very pregnant for months and months, and it is getting old.  She hasn't been able to walk the dog or go to a movie since she was about 15 weeks pregnant, and she is almost at 34.  Yeah, she's ready, and so is dad.

I almost don't want to jinx it by saying anything, but our doctor is telling us that the Pooklings (she doesn't call them that) are so strong that they might not spend more than a day or two in the NICU, and then head to the regular nursery.  That would be fantastic, but we'll see.

The house is ready, cigars bought, and the liquor cabinet is full.  Bring on the Pooklings!

So Close...

First Contact:  January 18th, 2011, approximately 12 PM.

Pookie had a checkup and ultrasound yesterday, and the final countdown is officially on.  Pookie has not had any signs that the ball is going to get rolling on on it's own, so we're going in after them.  The official length of the pregnancy will be 34 weeks and one day, which is a long damn time if you happen to be the one carrying three babies.

The babies themselves are doing so amazingly well our doctor is blown away, and so am I.  Each baby weighs 2 kg here in Canada, 4 lbs 6 oz in the U.S, or 2/3 of a can of camel milk for those you in the Middle East.   Their heart rates are all in the normal range, they are measuring great size, and they are kicking and punching each other for all they are worth.  Things are looking as positive as they possibly could, and Dad is getting more excited by the day.

Pookie is also excited, but she is very uncomfortable.  Not uncomfortable like riding in the back of a small car, or cutting a loud one at the dinner table, more Spanish Inquisition type discomfort.  She is now measuring at 45 weeks in size, and growing fast.  Ask any mom how uncomfortable she was at 40 weeks or even 41, and then add another month and another baby, then tell her to wait another couple weeks.   It is not a lot of fun for my Pookie but she is handling it very well, and seeing the babies do so well makes it a little easier to take ( I assume, what the hell do I know?).

We have 10 more days to go, and at the rate the Pooklings are growing I would not be shocked to see them get close to 5 lbs each (3/4 of a goat milk can).  Each baby has it's own sac and placenta, so with three big babies it is difficult to believe how much Pookie is actually carrying.  I get pissed off when I get $0.99 in change at a store and have to carry it around, I don't think I'd do very well at pregnancy.

There is a real possibility that the babies will come on their own, at any time, but Pookie is doing so well that we really don't think so.  If aliens ever enslave our planet and start people-ranching, Pookie would be a star! 

I will try to keep everyone in the loop on what is going on, but I have a feeling that once the baby-bomb goes off it will be tough to find time to sit down and write.  Thanks to all of you that have been following, I will be back with big news before you know it.

Pookie Pictures - Part Deux

Pookie, Pets and Pimpmobiles

It has been a while since I posted any pictures, so I thought I would bust out the camera and give everyone a look at what has been going on around here.

The Nursery / Baby Ranch is ready for the Pooklings, and everything seems a lot more "real" in there.  We are going to have boys and a girl in there, so we never really took a stance on decorating with a theme.  With three cribs and a 7-foot stroller, you can say the theme is "multiples", or "sleep deprivation" if you want.

This is what the Baby Ranch looks like with the stroller inside.  Not a lot of room to move, but obviously it won't be in there once everyone arrives.  Babies need a lot more stuff than a guy would think.

The ranch looks a little less cluttered without the stroller, just the cribs and the - HOLY SHIT THEY'RE COMING!!!! - suitcase that is ready to go.  I shudder when I think of the screaming that is going to come from that room.

This is the closet (in case you don't know a closet when you see one).  Three babies means a metric shit-ton of clothes.  Yeesh.

This is Rocky with one of his presents, looking pretty pleased with himself.  No self-respecting yuppy can post pictures on the web without including pet pictures, so here you go.  I know what you're thinking, and yes, that is one magnificent son of a bitch.

This is Herb the cat, in what I call his "Batman Pose".  He sits up high in this odd window in our room for extended periods of time, looking down on the neighborhood, not unlike Batman.  The only difference that instead of looking for people he can help, Herb is looking for small animals he can hurt, and eventually kill. 

Then there's.......Pookie!  Pookie is looking like a million bucks, with 900 grand of it right out front.  The belly has taken on a life of it's own with little hands and feet flying everywhere.  Looking pretty cute if you ask me.

For some reason the belly looks bigger with a shirt over it (most of it).  Pookie and the babies are doing great, and Pookie looks like the picture of health.  These babies are lucky they landed where they did.

Finally, the 'burb.  When you have three infants and a dog, you have very little choice when shopping for vehicles.  Westcastle Motors in Pincher Creek gave us a great deal on the pimpmobile, and I love this thing.  Sometimes I wonder why I haven't been driving one of these for years.  Then I fill it up.

Pookie officially hits 32 weeks tomorrow, so we are miles ahead of the curve.  A doctor actually called Pookie "Superwoman" at our last appointment.  I puffed up like a bantam rooster when she said this, because it is common knowledge that only Superman could knock up Superwoman.  That's just science.

We have another set of appointments this week, and if nature hasn't gotten the ball rolling, we are setting a date to go in after them.  One way or the other, this family is going to be a lot bigger within the next two weeks.  Buckle up people, we are almost at B-Day.